GPRS/3G modem using BlackJack and OS X

In previous post I listed the steps to get my HTC/ImateSP5/Dopod577 working as modem w OS X and tmobile. Now I am trying out the BlackJack from Cingular and with some googling and combination of various tips I got it to work using the USB cable - bluetooth not working yet..

Steps to make BlackJack work as 3G/GRPS modem using Cingular's service:

!!!NOTE: Make sure you have a all-inclusive dataplan from cingular or you will get a heartattack with your next phone bill.

1. Download the Blackberry 3G Driver
   
2. Unzip and copy the 3 Blackberry CID files into /Library/Modem Scripts
   
3. Goto Start>Settings>Connections>USB on the Blackjack and change it to Modem
4. Connect your Blackjack to your Macintosh via USB Cable
   
5. Goto your Macintosh and select Apple>Location->Network Preferences.
6. Pick Location Edit and "Add New Location" - call it whatever you like - for example "GPRS/3G via BlackJack"
7. Go To the Show Edit and pick "Network port Config". In the edit below you should now see a "SAMSUNG CDMA TECHNOLOGIES". Select this and unselect everything else
8. Go To the Show Edit and pick "SAMSUNG CDMA TECHNOLOGIES" - it will now enable you to configure TCP options. Select ppp tab and enter in
1. WAP@CINGLARGPRS.COM <--USERNAME
2. CINGULAR1 <---PASSWORD (and check the remember password"
   
3. WAP.CINGULAR <--- TELEPHONE NUMBER
9. In your PPP options check Send PPP echo packets and uncheck: Use TCP header compression. Uncheck redial if busy
10. Goto Modem Tab and select Blackberry CID1 (this worked for me - if it doesn't for you try CID 3).

Now whenever you want to use your BlackJack as a modem simply
a) plug it in USB port and change modem setting as in step 3 above
b) go to Apple->Location->GPRS/3G via BlackJack

When you're finished make sure you change the USB setting on BlackJack back to "ActiveSync" else you syncing will not work.



Updates Mar '08: on WM6 can now use PAN - however I had to manually update my Blackjack registry settings to the below to make it work (original data from here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=297833&page=4):

The problem here is that some ROMs use a BT Personal Area Network profile rather than a BT Network Access Point profile by default. OS X 10.4.9 only supports NAP. I was able to get things working under WM VI BE 1.2 (planning to upgrade to 2.0 shortly) by modifying a few registry values. This should work with other WM6 builds, too.

Here's a complete listing of relevant keys:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Bluetooth\l2 cap]
"ScanModeControl"=dword:1
"ConnectPacketType"=dword:0
"PicoCapable"=dword:0
"LinkPolicy"=dword:f
"NoRoleSwitch"=dword:1
"ConfigTimeout"=dword:78
"IdleConnect"=dword:a
"IdlePhys"=dword:a
"ERTX"=dword:12c
"RTX"=dword:3c

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Bluetooth\pa n]
"ActivateOnBoot"=dword:0
"Encrypt"=dword:1
"Authenticate"=dword:1
"InquiryLength"=dword:8
"MediaDelay"=dword:493e0

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Comm\BTPAN]
"ImagePath"="btd.dll"
"Group"="NDIS"
"DisplayName"="Bluetooth PAN Driver"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Comm\BTPAN\Linkage]
"Route"=multi_sz:"BTPAN1

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Comm\BTPAN1]
"ImagePath"="btd.dll"
"Group"="NDIS"
"DisplayName"="Bluetooth PAN Driver"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Comm\BTPAN1\Parms]
"PublishSdpOnBoot"=dword:1
"MaxConnections"=dword:1
"Description"="Bluetooth NAP Service"
"FriendlyName"="Network Access Point"
"ServiceId"="{00001116-0000-1000-8000-00805f9b34fb}"
"AdapterType"="NAP"
"ProtocolsToBindTo"=multi_sz:"NOT", "NDISUIO"
"AcceptConnections"=dword:1
"ConnectionTimeout"=dword:7530
"BusType"=dword:0
"BusNumber"=dword:0

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Comm\BTPAN1\Parms\TcpIp]
"SubnetMask"="255.255.255.0"
"IpAddress"="192.168.0.1"
"UseZeroBroadcast"=dword:0
"DefaultGateway"=dword:0
"EnableDHCP"=dword:0

Here's some light reading: http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms883411.aspx

VNC Server and Client for OSX and remote desktop options..

A quick summary of a setup for remote desktop for OSX..

OPTION 1 - Using VNC:
(note client and servers exist for every platform - if you're windoze client/server do a quick google or look here: http://www.realvnc.com/)

Server (you are sharing your screen):
==========
1) Get a free VNC server here: http://www.redstonesoftware.com/products/vine/server/
2) Do usual OS X install - drag to your Applications folder or wherever you store this type of apps
3) Start application. Recommended settings if YOU are the host and just want others to view (but NOT take control)
--Connection Tab: set a password (duh)
--Sharing tab: Disable remote control, Allow only oe VNC at a time (unless you're doing multi-client view)
4) Poke a hole in your firewall (assuming you are at home or behind some firewall)
--Use your router admin app to open and forward port for VNC (many have this predefined) or manualy 5500, 5800,5900 - forward to your PC's local IP


Client (used to view the screen of a server)
==========
1) get a FREE VNC client here http://sourceforge.net/projects/cotvnc/
(Or get a $$ client here http://www.redstonesoftware.com/products/vine/viewer/index.html - the redstone client has nice features like zoom, copy/pastem,etc..)
2) Install you clinet - same as step 2) for server
3) Start your client and connect to the externalIP for the network where your server run - typically get the external IP from the routers admin page (if you're advanced setup dyndns)

PROs: Works across all platforms - VNC client exist for almost any OS.
CONs: require to poke hole in server's firewall.



OPTION 2:
(later I'll add other options - there are fee and paid services....)